qcd’s and other stock donation opportunities
As you come to learn about Free Flight, you may consider exploring ways to support our work, and that of other favorite charitable organizations. There are several ways to support causes you care about that may also provide tax benefits. One option that you may wish to consider is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
A QCD allows individuals who are at least 70½ years old to make a charitable gift directly from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity. Because the funds go directly from the IRA custodian to the charity, the distribution is excluded from taxable income. For those who are subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), a QCD can also count toward satisfying that requirement.
Many donors are familiar with another tax-smart giving strategy: donating appreciated securities. When securities that have increased in value are donated directly to charity, you may be able to avoid capital gains taxes in addition to receiving a charitable deduction, subject to applicable tax rules.
So when might a QCD be preferable to a stock gift?
The answer depends on your individual circumstances. For many retirees, reducing taxable income can be especially valuable. Because a QCD is generally excluded from income rather than claimed as an itemized deduction, it may provide benefits even for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions. Even if you itemize, deductions can be complicated. State and local income tax (SALT) phaseouts and a new 0.5% AGI floor for charitable deductions specifically can reduce the tax benefit of a stock gift.
Importantly, neither strategy is universally better than the other. Your age, income sources, investments, and tax situation all play important roles in determining which approach is best for you.
If you are age 70½ or older and have an IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution may be worth discussing with your financial advisor or tax professional. Likewise, if you own highly appreciated securities, a stock gift could be an excellent way to support charitable organizations in a tax-efficient manner.
Every donor's situation is unique, but thoughtful planning can sometimes increase the impact of a charitable gift. By exploring the options available, supporters can often help both the causes they care about and their own financial goals.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. Please consult your professional advisors regarding your individual circumstances.
Ways You Can Help:
Send a check
Address: 2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA, 92014
checks made out to “Free Flight”
memo: donation
Consider Estate Planning
If you have questions about stock, asset, QCD, and/or DAF donation options, please contact board treasurer Frank Napolitano at frankienap@gmail.com
Free Flight Donor Recognition Board
Click here for full list of donors. Be sure to see our donor board on display when you visit the sanctuary.
Recent major grants & Contributors
Conrad Prebys Foundation
Del Mar Community Support Foundation
JEM Grant
Edith J Goode Residuary Trust
Wilson Sexton Foundation — In honor of Vice Chairman Jean Tirey Sexton and Romeo the Parakeet
Jan Kadletz
Debi & Charlie Connor
Animal Environments BCbyC
Carmen, owner of Animal Environments BCbyC poses with Free Flight Operations Manager, Diane, after delivering brand new stainless steel enclosures for the flock!
Frequent Supporters
JIMBOs Carmel Valley
Lazy Acres Encinitas
Our Summer Education Program Guest Speakers: SoCal Parrot, San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife, San Dieguito River Park, San Diego Bird Alliance, RocksBio Consulting
Our Community Collaborators: Palomar College’s ASL Interpreter Training Program, the Living Coast Discovery Center, Girl Scouts San Diego, Erin Schroeder from @PaintingandVino, San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, San Diego Bird Alliance
Our Beloved Members, Sponsors, and Adopters
Thank You!
Free Flight Income 2023
Wish List
There are many things we need to reach our goals.
Cash donations are the simplest way to make an impact, however, we also gratefully accept in-kind donations such as…
USA Forever Stamps
Clear storage tubs
Large trash cans with wheels
Pond supplies
Bird Toys (*please pre-approve with staff for safety!)
Grooming supplies (heavy duty nail files, medical scissors, towels)
Office Supplies (Sharpies, highlighters, pens, cardstock paper, copy paper, tape, binders, notebooks, page protectors)
Yard Maintenance Supplies (Work gloves, rakes, brooms, dust pans, heavy duty spray bottles, BBQ grill scrapers)
Assorted Tools (Drill & Drill set)
Please call or email if you would like more information about how to fulfill an item from our wish list.
858-481-3148
freeflightbirds@live.com
Estate Planning
Estate planning options to cover the care of your companion bird or to help support our mission.
Adoption Plan: Free Flight will help find the ideal home for your parrot, or he/she would stay at Free Flight.
Lifelong Care Plan: Secure the lifelong care of your parrot at Free Flight.
Pet Trust: Set up a trust for the care of your parrot and hire an administrator.
Gift Plan: Designate a specific amount or a percentage of your estate.
If you are interested in estate planning, please Contact Us for additional information.